proof
proof
Proof (noun) means Evidence or facts that show something is true. Example: “The receipt is proof that she paid for the item.”
noun
1
Evidence or facts that show something is true.
"The receipt is proof that she paid for the item."
"Scientists demanded more proof before accepting the theory."
"Do you have any proof that the parcel was delivered on Monday?"
2
A test print of a document or image made for checking before final printing.
"The editor marked up the proof with corrections before it went to press."
"The printer sent us a proof of the poster so we could check the colours."
"Please look over the proof carefully and tell us if any words are wrong."
3
A measure of the alcohol content of a spirit.
"Overproof rum has a much higher proof than ordinary spirits, so it burns easily."
"The label on the bottle showed the proof, which was higher than he expected."
"The whisky was bottled at 100 proof."
adj
1
Able to resist something, especially damage.
"The jacket is proof against wind and rain."
"The watch is proof against water, so you can wear it while swimming."
"Our new phone case is proof against drops from a table."
verb
1
To check a text for errors before it is published.
"She proofed the newsletter one last time before sending it out."
"I always proof my emails twice before sending anything important."
"He spent the evening proofing the final chapters of the book."
2
To let dough rise before baking.
"Let the dough proof for an hour in a warm place."
"Bakers proof the loaves in a warm cupboard until they double in size."
"The bread did not proof properly because the kitchen was too cold."
How to use proof
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEvidence that something is true, or a test version of something before it's finalized.
Common pairings
proof of purchase
burden of proof
proof of concept
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Word forms
- Plural
- proofs
- Third person singular
- proofs
- Past tense
- proofed
- Comparative
- more proof
- Superlative
- most proof
Fill the gap
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The receipt is _____ that she paid for the item.
Etymology
From Old French prove, from Late Latin proba ("a proof"), from Latin probō ("to test, to prove"). A doublet of probe.
Synonyms
View more →
evidence
confirmation
verification
validation
demonstration
corroboration
proofread
test copy
substantiation
cogent evidence
trial impression
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for proof
See all rhymes for proof →Frequently asked questions
What does “proof” mean?
The word “proof” means evidence or facts that show something is true. In plain terms, evidence that something is true, or a test version of something before it's finalized.
How do you pronounce “proof”?
“Proof” is pronounced proof (/pɹuf/ in IPA).
How do you use “proof” in a sentence?
Here is “proof” used in a sentence: “The receipt is proof that she paid for the item.”
What part of speech is “proof”?
Depending on how it is used, “proof” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “proof” come from?
The word “proof” comes from Late Latin. From Old French prove, from Late Latin proba ("a proof"), from Latin probō ("to test, to prove"). A doublet of probe.
Is “proof” a common word?
“Proof” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “proof” have?
“Proof” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: evidence or facts that show something is true.
What is the difference between proof and evidence?
Evidence is any information that supports a conclusion, while proof is enough evidence to establish something as true beyond reasonable doubt. In short, evidence points toward a conclusion; proof settles it. A single clue is evidence, but a full, convincing case amounts to proof.
What does 'burden of proof' mean?
The burden of proof is the responsibility to prove a claim rather than assuming it. In law, it usually falls on the person making an accusation — the prosecution must prove guilt, not the accused prove innocence. More broadly, whoever asserts something is expected to back it up.
What are the types of proof?
Proof takes different forms by field. Legal proof relies on testimony and physical evidence; scientific proof rests on repeatable experiments and data; mathematical proof uses pure logic to show a statement must be true. Everyday proof is simpler — documents or facts that confirm a claim.
What is an example of proof?
A receipt is proof of purchase, a passport is proof of identity, and a mathematical demonstration is proof that a statement always holds. In each case the item or argument does not merely suggest something is true — it establishes it firmly enough to remove reasonable doubt.
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